Treatment options

Non-operative

Painkillers

Physiotherapy - to help strengthen the muscles in the back. If the patient complains of a cosmetic deformity than building up the shoulders and chest with exercise may soften the appearance of the rounded thoracic spine.>

Surgery

If the curve of the spine is large (more than 70 degrees) and is causing persistent pain with progressive deformity than surgery may be required.

Spinal fusion

Depending on the severity of the curve surgery may be done through an anterior or posterior approach. If the deformity is flexible than the vertebrae are fused together using metal screws and rods. If the deformity is rigid than the spine has to be broken in a controlled manner and than realigned to desired shape.

Depending on the complexity the surgery takes many hours to complete and involves a 5-7 day stay in hospital after the operation.